Packet Forwarding Node Group Processing for Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet forwarding nodes in telecommunication networks require significant processing resources and complex architectures, leading to high costs and limited scalability due to the need for extensive packet inspection and multi-layer switching, which is inefficient for handling diverse traffic types like IPTV and gaming services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where consecutive packets destined for the same destination node are identified and forwarded as a group, with the option to skip processing individual packet headers, using control packets or inter-packet signaling to determine forwarding treatment, and utilizing a channel allocation table to reduce processing and improve throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet header inspection and FIB look-up operations are performed for every packet, then forwarding accuracy is maintained, but processing time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packets into groups sharing the same forwarding treatment, identified by matching packet headers (e.g., same destination address). Once the first packet of a group is processed and its forwarding treatment determined, subsequent packets in the group are forwarded without repeating the header inspection and FIB look-up operations, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining forwarding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification and forwarding treatment determination on the first packet of a group, storing the result for subsequent packets. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated processing of identical packets, reducing forwarding delay while ensuring accurate forwarding decisions are made once and applied consistently to the entire group.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex OTN multiplexing hierarchy and multi-layer switching structure are implemented, then diverse traffic types can be carried, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal packet forwarding mechanism that handles multiple traffic types (unicast, multicast, broadcast) through a single forwarding information base and classification process. The FIB structure accommodates different traffic types using the same basic operations, eliminating the need for separate processing paths and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and processes only the essential forwarding information from packet headers (such as destination address) rather than performing complex multi-layer inspection. By taking out only the necessary elements for forwarding decisions and storing them in the FIB, the system achieves diverse traffic support without requiring complex OTN multiplexing or multi-layer switching structures.
3Measurement precision
If extensive packet inspection and classification operations are performed at each node, then forwarding precision is improved, but processing resources are significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing detailed packet inspection and classification only when necessary - specifically for the first packet of each group or when forwarding treatment changes. For subsequent packets in the same group, the system uses the previously determined forwarding treatment without repeating the inspection, thereby maintaining classification precision where needed while reducing overall processing resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial inspection by examining only the essential header fields required for forwarding decisions (such as destination address) rather than conducting exhaustive inspection of all packet fields. This partial action approach maintains sufficient classification precision for accurate forwarding while significantly reducing the processing resources required compared to complete packet inspection.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet forwarding node of a transport network performs a first packet forwarding mode in which received packets are processed and forwarded on a per-packet basis. The forwarding node performs a second packet forwarding mode when the node identifies a group of consecutive packets. The group of packets are destined for the same destination node of the transport network. The second packet forwarding mode comprises determining a forwarding treatment for the group of packets and forwarding the group of packets with the determined treatment. The forwarding is performed without processing the headers of at least some of the packets in the group. The group of consecutive packets is identified by a control packet preceding the group or by inter-packet signalling which indicates that the packet before the inter-packet signalling and the packet after the inter-packet signalling are to be treated as part of the same group. Packets which are determined to be received on transit channels can be forwarded without processing headers of individual packets.